Ruby Jewel (Wilburn) Smith

Ruby Jewel Wilburn Smith, born August 25, 1937, in Houston, Texas, entered eternal rest on April 6, 2026. She was the beloved daughter of the late Clarence Wilburn Sr. and Bernice Smith Wilburn.

Ruby was raised in Houston, Texas where she received her education through the Houston Independent School District attending Harper Elementary and Booker T. Washington class of 1955. At an early age, she was introduced to Christ and became a member of Damacus Missionary Baptist Church. When her family moved to Acres Homes in the early fifties, Ruby became a member of Progressive Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of the Late Pastor B. J. Lewis, then her brother, John H. Wilburn was called to Pastor Greater New Hope Baptist Church and she served there until 2001. then sShe returned to Progressive Missionary Baptist Church where she served as the President of the Mission department, Pastoral Committee, Sunday school teacher, member of the Elegant Elders, and Matron in the Drill team.

On June 16, 1975, Ruby was united in marriage to Moses Smith, and together they shared a life filled with love, devotion, and family. Ruby was a proud and loving mother to three children, five bonus children, and two God children. Ruby Jewel Smith’s children are Johnny Ray Croomes Jr., Kenneth W Croomes (Jacqueline) Pamela D Jenkins (Anthony), bonus children are LaWanda Walker, Kevin Carter, Joseph Wiley, and Quwanda Fields, and gGod children are Jovan Means and Cia Hogan. She also called many others her children and loved them as her own.

Ruby was preceded in death by her father and mother, her brother Clarence Wilburn Jr., and bonus daughter Terrilyn Hardin-Jackson. She leaves to cherish her memory her loving husband, children, 30 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren; siblings, Elsie Marie Boyd and Pastor John H. Wilburn; along with a host of nieces, nephews and extended family members, friends, ggod-children and loved ones.

Throughout her life, Ruby was known for her strong work ethic and dedication. She was employed with All Art Gallery, Southwest Gallery and Arden’s Picture framing where she retired in 2001.